Miami Marlins: 2015 MLB Postseason Viewing Guide: American League

Division Leaders

Toronto Blue Jays-American League East

Sep 23, 2015; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Blue Jays celebrate a win over the New York Yankees at Rogers Centre. Toronto defeated New York 4-0. Mandatory Credit: John E. Sokolowski-USA TODAY Sports

The Blue Jays are young, exciting, and have plenty of fun to go around. Between their ridiculous handshakes and an offense with enough power to supply energy to all of Canada, The Rogers Centre will be rocking as the Jays take the field in October for the first time since the early 90s.

The Jays roster features a few former Marlins after the infamous “fire sale” organized by Jeffery Loria and Company. To add to a powerful offense the Jays acquired ace David Price at the trade deadline, one of baseball’s most likeable stars who’s one heck of a pitcher. Whoever Toronto battles in the AL playoffs it will be must-watch TV.

Viewing Grade: B+

Kansas City Royals-American League Central

Sep 22, 2015; Kansas City, MO, USA; Kansas City Royals shortstop Alcides Escobar (2) hits a one-run single in the ninth inning against the Seattle Mariners at Kauffman Stadium. Seattle won 11-2. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports

They almost did it last season. The Kansas City Royals came 90 feet from their first ever World Series title stranding Alex Gordon on third base. Ninety feet separate the Royals from being the team that “Almost did it” from a team that would have completed one of the greatest Postseason runs in recent memory.

Kansas City built their roster and developed it through their farm system. The roster includes several fun-loving stars like Salvador Perez and Eric Hosmer. Kendrys Morales is having a breakout season, Alex Gordon has returned from a nasty injury, and Kauffman Stadium will be rocking once again in October.

Viewing Grade: A+

Texas Rangers-American League West

Sep 22, 2015; Oakland, CA, USA; Texas Rangers relief pitcher Shawn Tolleson (37) and catcher Chris Gimenez (38) celebrate after defeating the Oakland Athletics 8-6 at O.co Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Ed Szczepanski-USA TODAY Sports

The Texas Rangers shocked the baseball world trading for Cole Hamels at this July’s trade deadline. Many people, myself included, felt this was a move for the future. Instead, Texas has brought the old cast of characters together trading for Josh Hamilton and Mike Napoli and are back to avenge their 2011 Postseason loss, coming one strike from destiny.

This is the reason why the Rangers will lose a few points in my watchability rankings. It’s the same cast of characters you’ve seen before played out on a similar script in a different season.

While there are plenty of new and exciting players such as Delino Deshields and Rougned Odor, the Rangers have the same supporting cast that they’ve towed around for years. With an incredible run in the last few months Texas has come out of nowhere a potentially dangerous team this Fall. They’re just not must-see TV.

Viewing Grade: C

Wild Card Contenders

New York Yankees

Sep 23, 2015; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; New York Yankees starting pitcher Ivan Nova (47) throws against the Toronto Blue Jays in the first inning at Rogers Centre. Mandatory Credit: John E. Sokolowski-USA TODAY Sports

One last hooray for Alex Rodriguez. The once beloved, now disgraced Yankees DH is making one last run at a World Series title. The 40-year-old Rodriguez, who is no stranger to controversy, is having a resurgent season after several PED related suspensions. Besides Rodriguez, the Yankees have a piar of new young stars in First Baseman Greg Bird and Pitcher Masahiro Tanaka.

Add the youngsters into a mix that includes veterans Chase Headley and Brian McCann and the Yanks add plenty of intrigue from the Wild Card spot. With Tanaka potentially taking the hill in one-game wild card situation, you better not be surfing channels.

Viewing Grade: A

Houston Astros

Sep 23, 2015; Houston, TX, USA; Houston Astros shortstop Carlos Correa (1) hits a RBI fielders choice against the Los Angeles Angels in the fifth inning at Minute Maid Park. Mandatory Credit: Thomas B. Shea-USA TODAY Sports

The Astros caught everybody by surprise this season. Being way ahead of their rebuild schedule, Houston led the way in the AL West all season long. That is, until the Rangers came charging and knocked George Springer & Co. off the top step of the podium.

Now the young and resurgent Astros find themselves clinging to a 1.5 game lead in the AL Wild Card standing in the dwindling days of the season. The Astros add bang for your buck offering up the electrifying Jose Altuve while also showcasing one of the leagues most exciting young players in shortstop Carlos Correa. With a home run mashing offense and a web-gem producing defense anything can happen if the Astors make it into the playoffs.

Viewing Grade: B

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